Zoo of the Future Lets the Animals Roam

Zootopia, a new zoo design by the Bjarke Ingels group along with the Givskud Zoo in Denmark, is set to open in 2019. It aims to rethink the idea of a zoo, and will feature hiking trails and biking trails, and open enclosures for the animals.

Courtesy Bjarke Ingels Group

Zootopia, a new zoo design by the Bjarke Ingels group along with the Givskud Zoo in Denmark, is set to open in 2019. It aims to rethink the idea of a zoo, and will feature hiking trails and biking trails, and open enclosures for the animals.

Courtesy Bjarke Ingels Group

An rendering of the proposed bear enclosure at "Zootopia".

Courtesy Bjarke Ingels Group

The proposed new safari exhibit at Zootopia would allow free movement for the animals while keeping visitors at a safe distance.

Courtesy Bjarke Ingels Group

The entrance to the zoo is also the center, allowing visitors to chose one of three main routes to see the animals.

Courtesy Bjarke Ingels Group

The main buildings will be hidden as much as possible, effectively putting the humans in captivity while allowing the animals to roam as freely as possible.

Courtesy Bjarke Ingels Group

The arrival building in the main square can also be climbed, to give an overview of the entire park.

Courtesy Bjarke Ingels Group

A model for the zoo shows the arrival gates and the main center square, with park on the outside.

Courtesy Bjarke Ingels Group

An alternate view of the model of Zootopia, in Denmark.

Courtesy Bjarke Ingels Group

The zoo is divided into continents, Asia, Africa and America. There will be hiking and biking trails throughout the zoo.

Courtesy Bjarke Ingels Group

The panda enclosures will feature bamboo huts.

Courtesy Bjarke Ingels Group

The Givskud Zoo in Denmark is set to open in 2019. It aims to redesign the idea of a zoo, and will feature hiking trails and biking trails, and open enclosures for the animals.

Courtesy Bjarke Ingels Group

The Safari stable enclosure puts the humans below the animals.

Courtesy Bjarke Ingels Group

The elephant rice paddy enclosure

Courtesy Bjarke Ingels Group

The lion hill enclosure combines a climbing area for the cats with a viewing area for the humans.

Courtesy Bjarke Ingels Group

The new zoo would offer a wide range of ways to see the animals. The hope of the designers is that the openness would allow humans to learn from animals, instead of merely view them.